Moncton 
Southern New Brunswick is greatly shaped by the St. John River, many smaller rivers, and the Bay of Fundy. These bodies of water have helped to carve great hills, valleys, and bluffs into the surrounding land. It has all helped make this part of New Brunswick lush, dense, and abundant greenery.
Credit: lifeofashmac Ashley MacDonald/Tourism New Brunswick
The drive alone from the southern coast and north into these river valleys will offer great views of the rolling and gentle hills. The town of Sussex is central to one of these gorgeous valleys and offers great ways to get out and explore all the area’s hills, bluffs, and views.
Hiking the Sussex Bluff Trail
The trail begins at the top of Rockridge Drive, where you’ll find a small parking area. The Bluff Trail is well-marked and begins with a small climb of about 90m in elevation. As you climb higher along the ridge and above the Dutch Valley, the views of the hills and farmland become increasingly expansive. The climb leads to openings on the ridges and the final bluff and peak.
- Some may argue that fall is the best time for this hike as the surrounding foliage becomes an array of warm colours. In the spring and summer, the trail views include lush and vibrant green colours in every direction.
- The hike is about 4km out-and-back and takes around two-hours to complete. Take time at the top to take in all of the incredible views or for a picnic on the bluff!
Credit: Nate Gaffney/Tourism New Brunswick
More Trails and Outdoor Recreation
Nature trails wind their way through Sussex to follow the river and branch off into local parks. The river is a great source of recreation with paddling and floating opportunities north of Sussex. Plus, there are several hiking trails south of Sussex which get hikers views of the Sussex Bluff from below.
- The nearby Sussex River (north of town and the Bluffs trail) is a popular floating and tubing destination. The first launch point is from the Plumsweep Road and Bridge, which has five exit points on the river after this launch point. To float from Plumsweep to the final exit point takes a full day (about 8 hours), while shorter routes of 3-4 hours are also possible. The first launch point offers a map, while there are markers for exits along the river.
- The next closest hiking area to the Bluff Trail are the town nature trails which follow the river into town. There are a few forks as you follow the trail north into town, as well as viewpoints and picnic areas.
- Friar’s Nose Lookout Trail is one of the more popular hikes to the south of Sussex and is a shared-use trail for ATVs/hikers. This hike is a bit more of a climb than the Bluff Trail at close to 200m in elevation gain. But like the Bluff Trail, the Friars Nose Lookout offers incredible valley views, especially in the fall.
Exploring Sussex
The scenic Sussex area, set in the Dutch Valley of New Brunswick, offers more to see and do once all the hiking or recreation is done. Shop, explore, eat, tour, and learn your way through Sussex.
- The town of Sussex is decorated with a variety of public art and murals which depict major people or moments from local history. The public art walk is simple as a self-guided tour with pieces to see around almost every corner.
- The town has also provided a guided for touring the historic buildings and sites around Sussex. This includes homes, hotels, commercial space, and a former ginger ale factory!
- Get a better feel for the local history with a visit to the Susse Intercolonial Railway Station, or for the local art at the Arts & Culture Centre.
- Sussex has several great local eateries, take-out spots, and restaurants. Fuel up before the Bluffs hike with places like Knocks Café, Greco Pizza, Taste and See, or Philly’s Subs & Spuds.
- The Sussex Farmer’s Market is open from May to October each year at the downtown Sussex Leonard’s Gate.
Planning your Trip
What: the bluff is a rounded but rocky peak on the hills that surround the Dutch Valley near Sussex. The hiking trail is about 4km out-and-back with a 90m gain in elevation. The trail leads hikers up a ridge to two main lookout areas over the Dutch Valley. It is important to remember that this hike is on private property.
Location and how to get there: Sullivan Drive, Sussex, NB
Use Post Road to access Sullivan Drive; follow Sullivan to the end of the road and trailhead
~130 km from Fredericton
~85 km from Moncton
~80 km from Saint John
Best time to go: April-October
Cost: free
For more information:
Sussex Bluff Trail – Hiking NB
